Rugby Tours That Will Live Long In The Memory

Earlier this month, the Mullingar RFC U18 and U16 Girls as well as the West Cork Rebelettes (Bantry Bay RFC & Skibbereen RFC amalgamated) squads travelled with Irish Rugby Tours to the UK for a trip that combined rugby, travel, and a chance to be part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup experience.

Playing Their Own Part 🏉

The squads played their own games while on tour:

• Mullingar RFC Girls played at Bracknell RFC and London Irish RFC, where they were warmly welcomed and enjoyed tough, competitive rugby.
• The West Cork Rebelettes played at Guildford RFC, where the rugby was matched by genuine hospitality off the pitch.

These fixtures gave players the opportunity to test themselves against new opposition and experience the traditions of club rugby in England. Friendships were formed, and there’s already talk of return fixtures in the future.

There was non rugby related activities too as the Mullingar squads headed to Windsor to soak up the cultural magic there and all groups took in the buzz at Brighton Pier on match morning ahead of the Ireland v Black Ferns RWC Pool Game.

The Rugby World Cup Experience

The Women’s Rugby World Cup this year broke records everywhere and is rewriting history:

• The opening match drew 42,723 fans to the Stadium of Light, setting a new record for a Women’s Rugby World Cup opener.

• Approximately 440,000 tickets were sold — that’s 100,000 more than World Rugby’s original target.

• The semi-finals brought in over 50,000 spectators between two games at Ashton Gate, smashing previous records.

• The final was attended by 81,885 fans, making it the biggest women’s rugby crowd ever.

• The final was watched by 5.8 million viewers across TV and streaming platforms. Source: BBC Sport

This marks a generational moment for the women’s game. Packed stadiums, global visibility, and growing fan bases prove that the sport has stepped into a new era.

(Source: Rugby World Cup 2025)

Ireland v Black Ferns – Brighton

Our touring squads attended the historic Ireland v Black Ferns RWC pool game in Brighton and we could hardly believe the scenes.  Despite the disappointing result for Ireland, the occasion felt on par with a men’s World Cup. From the lanes in Brighton on match morning – teeming with supporters in their Irish rugby jerseys, to well thought-out fan zones and a buzzing 30,000+ packed stadium, it was an incredible experience to be part of – a landmark moment in the women’s game.

Ireland’s run ended in the quarter-final against France, but their performances caught the attention of everyone who followed the tournament and we can only feel excited about what is to come from this team in the future.

A Tour to Inspire – Women In Sport 

For the girls who stood in Brighton, watching Ireland run out against New Zealand and then push France to the limit, the message was clear: women’s rugby is growing, and it belongs on the biggest stages where they might some day feature. Off the pitch, the energy has carried onto social media platforms, where players, teams and tournament accounts have kept fans entertained and engaged, building a global rugby community. A phenomenal tournament from start to finish.

The Feedback

• “Planning a tour for 100+ people to the Women’s Rugby World Cup seemed like a daunting task until Irish Rugby Tours came along. We really had the trip of a lifetime and everyone in the group was in total agreement.” Mullingar RFC 
• “From start to finish, Irish Rugby Tours were nothing but helpful. Every detail exceeded our expectations — from the hotel and meals to the fixtures and organisation. Our driver and guide were superb, and Guildford RFC could not have been more welcoming hosts. The balance of rugby, activities, and downtime was spot on, giving the girls time to bond and the parents space to relax. The experience of seeing Ireland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup was unforgettable, and overall it was a superb tour. We wouldn’t hesitate to travel with Irish Rugby Tours again.” West Cork Rebelettes 

Final Thoughts

At Irish Rugby Tours, we’re proud to have made this possible. Bringing nearly 150 young players abroad to play, to travel together, and to watch Ireland compete on the world stage is exactly what touring is about. Rugby may be at the heart of it, but the real value lies in the experiences these young people take home with them — the friendships, the memories, and the inspiration to be part of the future of the game.